Overview

Behind every product, building, or process are drawings and models created by someone using the techniques and principles taught in drafting courses. If you study drafting, you'll learn the math and drawing techniques you'll need to represent three-dimensional buildings and objects. Your classes will cover such topics as interpreting specifications and estimating materials.

You'll not only learn to draw plans on paper. You'll also learn how to use computers. With computer-assisted drafting programs, you can make changes and add detail to your plans quickly. Increasingly sophisticated technology allows drafters to create more realistic images that almost seem like three-dimensional models, making it easy to imagine the finished structure or object.

Students of drafting and design technology learn to use technical skills to create drawings, plans, and computer models that will be used in constructing a building or manufacturing a product.

Did You Know?

Drafting experts draw plans for much more than just buildings -- they also create plans for machines, airplanes, and construction works such as dams.

Are You Ready To...? Draw and make models  Develop product specifications  Use CAD and solid modeling software Learn about manufacturing processes and materials  Read blueprints Interested in how things are put together Work well with a team

Course Spotlight

As a drafting and design major, you may want to specialize in drawing architectural plans. With a course or a series of courses in architectural drafting, you can build skills in this area. Through lectures and lab work, you’ll learn the tools and techniques of drawing plans for buildings. Course work may include designing a small home and creating a complete set of working drawings (drawings used by carpenters and other construction workers) for the house.